Hunter reflects on NFL debut: "I was a little nervous at first."

Travis Hunter made his NFL debut for the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday night, showcasing his dual-threat potential as both a receiver and cornerback in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Why it matters: Hunter's performance marks an important milestone for the Jaguars, who have high expectations for the rookie given his versatility. His ability to contribute on both sides of the ball could be pivotal as the season progresses.

Hunter participated in 18 total snaps during the game, split between offense and defense.

• He logged 10 offensive snaps, catching two passes for nine yards, although one reception was nullified due to an illegal block penalty.
• On the defensive side, he played eight snaps but missed one tackle against Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson.

What’s new: This game served as a litmus test for Hunter, who has been touted for his unique skill set since entering the league.

In training camp, Hunter gained experience with significant snap counts in 11-on-11 drills, totaling 140 offensive snaps and 116 defensive snaps.

• In this game, he tied with Brian Thomas Jr. for the most targets from quarterback Trevor Lawrence, with each receiving two.

Yes, but: While Hunter showed promise, there are areas for growth, particularly on defense.

Head coach Liam Coen acknowledged Hunter's mixed performance.

• "He made a couple good catches on some option routes, and I noticed the missed tackle defensively... offensively, he made the right decisions," Coen remarked, highlighting areas for improvement.

What to watch: The Jaguars will be looking for consistency from Hunter as they head into future games.

After the game, Hunter expressed relief at settling into his role after initial nerves. "I was a little nervous at first. But after the first play, I was good," he stated, indicating a readiness to build on his debut.

The bottom line: As the Jaguars navigate their competitive schedule, Hunter's dual-threat capabilities could provide crucial depth and flexibility in their offensive and defensive schemes.

Despite the loss, Hunter's debut is seen as a stepping stone towards fulfilling the potential that garnered him attention leading up to the draft. His adaptability will be key as he continues to develop in the fast-paced environment of the NFL.